Thomas Wyatt Gilbert

Thomas Wyatt Gilbert passed away in Fort Collins after a sudden illness, at the age of 27. Born in western Colorado to Victoria Lopez-Terrill and Gordon R. Gilbert, Thomas was a dedicated student of social studies education at Colorado State University, additionally volunteering in local schools. After his graduation, he taught English in Florence, Italy, returning to Fort Collins to devote himself to his own Poudre School District. As an educator at Poudre Global Academy and Fort Collins High School, Thomas selflessly committed himself to each and every learner, particularly sympathizing with those struggling or at risk. Beyond his passion for his career, he treasured knowledge for its own sake, and truly understood the wonder of the world. Thomas was a singular character – a beloved brother and son, everyone's favorite teacher, a traveler who always came happily home, a punk rocker who opened the door for strangers, an infuriating jokester and a stylish fellow, a skateboarder and a scholar. Thomas loved: he loved his family, his friends, the playfulness of children and the innocence of animals, the complications of history and the simplicity of lying beneath a tree, Hobbits and wizards, traveling and ducks, old books and rap music and ridiculous cartoons, hiking and Halloween and his kitty cat, Gabriela. No one was unimportant to Thomas, and he is more important to all those who knew him than we ever had the chance to say. He is survived by his mother Victoria (Vicky), his siblings James and Elizabeth, Jennifer and Gordon, Davi and Cristina, and hundreds of friends and students who will never forget the adventure and the laughter and the love he brought to a world which will always miss him.

A celebration of Thomas's life will be held at Avogadro's Number in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Sunday, October 13th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be made through the family or directly to Fort Collins High School, to be donated in Thomas's name to the FCHS Transitions Academy program for at-risk youth, PSD Global Academy, and Rocky Mountain High School.